Last Updated: 4th July 2025
1. Club Overview
- Stadium: Vitality Stadium (Dean Court)
- Location: Bournemouth, England
- Capacity: 11,329
- Official Site: afcb.co.uk
Bournemouth is a great town with a superb beach (I'm strongly biased — I went to university there). The New Forest is just up the road, and it's easily accessible from London by train. Bournemouth's stadium hasn't kept pace with the club's meteoric rise through the league system — it still feels very old-school. Back when I lived there, Bournemouth were in Leagues 1, 2 and 3. Now, thanks to Eddie Howe (before he moved to Newcastle), they're an established Premier League team.
2. How to Buy Tickets
AFC Bournemouth uses a priority-based ticketing system due to the small stadium capacity. General sale is rare. You have to gain points by attending games. The more points you have, the more likely it is that you can buy a ticket. This is not much use to international and casual fans.
Membership and Priority Points
- Cherries Membership: Gives you access to ticket sales and the points system.
- Cherries Points: Earned from buying tickets — more points = earlier access.
- Tickets are released in phases. Those with the highest points can buy first. General sale is only for the least popular fixtures.
Resale Platform
You can buy tickets from season ticket holders that have been returned. Tickets are resold at face value to other members.
Hospitality Packages
If you want guaranteed access, especially for big matches, hospitality is your best option. These include lounge access, premium seats, and meals. Prices vary based on the match.
Summary for Tourists
- Membership is essential.
- Hospitality guarantees entry.
- The resale platform is your best bet if you missed the initial sale.
3. Ticket Prices
Prices vary depending on match category and seat location. Bournemouth categorize their games into 3 categories: A, B and C. In the 2024/2025 season the teams in the categories were as follows:
- A: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Southampton*, and Tottenham (Spurs).
- B: Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Leicester City*, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham United.
- C: Brentford, Ipswich Town*, and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves).
* All relegated for season 2025/2026.
Tickets go on sale about 6 weeks before the game.
This is a general guide for 2024/25: Official AFC Bournemouth Ticket Prices
2024/25 Match Ticket Pricing
| Stand | Adult | Concession | Junior Cherries | Ambulant Disabled | Wheelchairs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | B | C | A | B | C | A | B | C | A | B | C | A | B | C | |
| Family | £39 | £36 | £30 | £28 | £25 | £20 | £10 | £7 | £5 | £24 | £22 | £18 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| North | £42 | £39 | £33 | £31 | £28 | £22 | £10 | £9 | £6 | £26 | £24 | £20 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| South | £42 | £39 | £33 | £31 | £28 | £22 | £10 | £9 | £6 | £26 | £24 | £20 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| Main Outer | £48 | £45 | £38 | £35 | £32 | £27 | £10 | £9 | £6 | £29 | £28 | £23 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| Main Centre | £56 | £53 | £47 | £41 | £37 | £32 | £17 | £15 | £12 | £34 | £32 | £29 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| East Outer | £43 | £40 | £34 | £31 | £28 | £22 | £10 | £9 | £6 | £27 | £24 | £21 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
| East Centre | £49 | £46 | £39 | £36 | £33 | £27 | £17 | £15 | £12 | £30 | £28 | £24 | £10 | £9 | £6 |
Junior Cherries Under-8 & Personal Assistants remain complimentary.
4. Where to Sit
The Vitality Stadium has four main stands:
- Main Stand (West): Home to the dugouts, media, and hospitality. Best view, ideal for families.
- East Stand: Opposite the Main Stand — good atmosphere and clear views.
- Steve Fletcher North Stand: The loudest section — home to the most passionate fans.
- Ted MacDougall South Stand: Allocated to away fans.
Best choice for tourists: Main Stand for comfort, East Stand for a local fan feel.
There is licensed safe standing in rows J–R of the North Stand. If you buy here, expect to stand or be surrounded by those standing. You have been warned.
5. Getting There
Address: Vitality Stadium, Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF
Nearest Train Stations: Pokesdown (20 mins walk), Bournemouth (30 mins walk)
Matchday Tip: Arrive early — parking is limited. Use public transport or a park-and-ride if possible.
6. Food, Drink & Pubs
Inside the ground: Expect pies, hot dogs, crisps, and drinks.
Nearby pubs:
- The Queens Park Hotel: Lively home fan pub.
- The Bell: Close to Pokesdown Station, friendly to home and away fans.
- Mello Mello Bar: Relaxed spot with a decent drinks selection.
You'll also find food trucks and vendors outside on matchdays.
7. Tips for Tourists
- What to Wear: Bournemouth colors (red and black) or neutral. Avoid Southampton and Portsmouth gear!
- What Not to Do: Avoid rival kits and half-and-half scarves — they're not well liked.
- Entry Process: Tickets are digital or printed. Turnstiles scan barcodes. Bag checks are standard. Expect queues. Arrive 40+ minutes before kickoff. Turnstiles open 90 mins before the match.
- Security: Expect metal-detecting wands and same-gender body checks. Let a steward know if you require accommodation.
- Luggage: Umbrellas are not permitted into the stadium. You can only bring drink containers into the stadium from the outer perimeter if they are in a transparent container. You cannot bring your own alcohol into the stadium.
- Atmosphere: North Stand is loud. Main Stand is calmer. Safe standing is in North Stand but is very popular. Try nearby blocks if full.
8. Tours & Museum
No regular stadium tours, but occasional open days and events. Check the official site.
9. Accessibility
- 287 home and 11 away wheelchair spaces
- Step-free access and accessible toilets
- Disability Liaison Team available
- Email: disability@afcb.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1202 726300
10. Useful Links
